Abstract A description of the female composers who contributed to the success of the Romantic period of music (1825-1900). The paper explains that even though most of the composers of the time were male, Hensel and Schumann were talented and successful and made it to the top in their own right. It examines their different styles and how their music reflected the society and culture of the times.
From the Paper "Like other composers during this period, Hensel and Schumann were engaged with many of the important motifs of the Romantic period, including an attention to both nationalistic and what might be called "exotic" themes in music. Both this rise in nationalism and this interest in non-Western music reflected larger political and cultural events in the world. Among the most important of these was a series of revolutions that occurred in the middle of the 19th century that served as attempts for nations like Italy to free themselves from foreign rule. Germany was undergoing a different form of nationalist struggle during the middle decades of the 19th century as its leaders strove to build (for the first time) a politically unified nation."
Abstract Through an analysis of the music of eight Western classical composers, this paper attempts to understand how their various environments influenced their musical output. The eight composers that this paper studies are: Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Richard Wagner, Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, Bela Bartok and George Crumb. The paper chooses to focus on specific compositions to demonstrate how each artist was affected by the events of his life -- from personal situations such as a family crisis, marriage or the loss of a loved one to broader social/cultural developments in his country or the world.
Outline:
Introduction
Johann Sebastian Bach
Joseph Haydn
Richard Wagner
Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky
Claude Debussy
Igor Stravinsky
Bela Bartok
George Crumb
Conclusion
From the Paper "In Bach's Christ lag in Todesbanden (Church Cantata No. 4), written for Easter Sunday, the hymn melody and its verses are used exclusively throughout the piece. The opening measure, in the style of Buxtehude, Bach's mentor, is followed by seven verses, each having its own musical signature. In this opening measure, one can hear that the music is touched by the sorrows of death, but in the third verse, there is an outpouring of joy. This cantata was written in 1724 during a period in Bach's life that was full of musical expression. However, in 1720, his first wife, Maria Barbara died, and in 1721, Bach married Anna Magdalena Wuelken who bore him thirteen children. Thus, through the music of Cantata No. 4, Bach's sadness over the death of his first wife can be sensed; however, due to his strict religious upbringing, his joy can be sensed in the third verse which reflects his knowledge that his late wife is now with God in Heaven."
Abstract A look at the formation of the 'Mighty Five', five Russian composers, Korsakov, Balakirev, Borodin, Mussorgsky and Glinka who changed Russian music and stance impacting recognition from the Western world. A look at their contributions and impact on the world of music.
From the Paper "The culmination of five ingenious, dedicated composers and one highly skilled evangelist led to the recognition of Russian music. This would be the recognition of a distinct, nationalist approach to music. Involving traditional melodies, and folk songs, and composed in a uniquely Russian manner. They would forever change Russian classical music, and made a large impact upon the rest of the Western world. It is important to recognize two key individuals; one Rimsky-Korsakov for his incredibly sophisticated works, and two the work of Stasov as propagandist. Finally the Mighty Five as a whole should be recognized for their achievements, contributions, and enduring impact on music.'
Abstract This music history study examines the major accomplishments of Amy Beach, the first female American composer. In essence, by evaluating Beach's life as a woman composer through her skills as a writer, one can realize the historical ramifications of feminist determination to be known as the first female American composer in United States history.
From the Paper "Amy Beach: Analyzing the Pioneering Feminism Of the First American Female Composer I. Introduction This music history study will examine the major accomplishments of Amy Beach, the first female American composer. In realizing the hardships of being a woman in a patriarchal American society, beach, Beach had to overcome great odds to have her music accepted in an all-male field. In relation to this, her music reached out beyond gender barriers, and helped this woman encompass a wide variety of feminist accomplishments in her lifetime. In essence, by evaluating Beach's life as a woman composer through her skills as a writer, one can realize the historical ramifications of feminist determination to be known as the first female American composer in United States history. II: Historical Feminist Background to Women in American Music Amy Beach (1867-1944) was a woman that beheld many talents, and when she was younger, she was a considered a childhood prodigy."
Abstract This paper discusses some of the composer Aaron Copland's well-known compositions and analyzes his contribution to modern classical music. It includes an autobiographical account of Copland's life growing up in New York. It details his music and gives examples of his famous ballets and scores. It also describes his main influences in the music world. Finally, it details his great contribution with works such as: "Rodeo", and "Fanfare for the Common Man" making him one of the most loved American composers of all time.
From the Paper "Popular jazz and be-bop music heavily influenced his early works. As he matured, he began to compose strictly in the modern classical style, and most of his work falls under this style. His music most often celebrated the unique American character that he found so appealing. His ballets and scores included ?Rodeo,? ?Appalachian Spring,? ?A Lincoln Portrait,? ?Theme for the Common Man,? and ?Billy the Kid.? He also wrote numerous piano concertos, smaller pieces, and two sets of ?Old American Songs,? which were arrangements of traditional folk tunes "that became so popular in their piano and orchestral versions as to eclipse the original melodies on which they were based" (Hampson). At the height of his popularity and career in 1944, Copland's score for "Appalachian Spring" won the Pulitzer Prize for music. Yet, he continued to write for thirty years after this apex of his work. "
Abstract This paper examines the works of the world's greatest composers and looks at how their music was influenced and shaped by the environment in which they lived. The paper explains how classical music of the west breaks down into a handful of major periods and that each great change in musical tastes can be traced back to corresponding developments in society and civilization. Bach and Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven are just a few of the composers discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "Romanticism differed from the earlier periods because of its appeal to raw emotion. This is not to say that the works of Bach and Hayden are devoid of human feeling. Rather, it is a different kind of emotional response that is being elicited. In a sense the compositions of the Romantic Era ask the listener to suspend reason, and to listen only with the heart. The Nineteenth Century was a time of great change in Europe. The early years of the century had seen the Old Order torn to bits, and a new, and much more completely secular order take its place. Governments now commanded loyalty not on the basis of their leaders' closeness to God, but on the extent to which these leaders tended to embody, or represent, the "national spirit." Wagner's Ring could never be fully understood outside the context of a rampant German nationalism. The newly unified German Empire wanted to demonstrate that it had arisen out of a proud and ancient past. The fact that the Ring is based on old Teutonic Legends is indicative of the extent to which Wagner himself had become enmeshed in the supposedly primal lore of his people - it is Wotan and not Jupiter who occupies center stage. The prominence given to non-Classical legend represents a major break with the Europe of the previous four centuries."
Abstract This paper describes the musical styles and influences of three of the greatest 20th Century composers: Claude Debussy, Duke Ellington and John Cage. The paper examines the innovations of each composer and cites examples of their work.
From the Paper "The works of Claude Debussy represent a transition from the late Romantic era in music to music of the 20th century. His unique musical language veered away from the style of Wagner with its heavy emotion. Instead Debussy wrote..."
Abstract This paper looks at the short but brilliant life of the famous composer, Mozart. It discusses how his family upbringing impacted his talent and looks at some of his many musical achievements. The writer concludes by examining the impact of Mozart's music today.
From the Paper "Mozart composed every sort of work presented in his day: symphonies, operas, chamber music, minuets, sacred music. Despite that, and the lasting value, Mozart was given only a cheap funeral when he died, and was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave; his body has never been located (Krantz, undated). But his contributions to music are gargantuan, and still vibrant. Today, his work is also regarded as a catalyst to intellectual pursuits, with albums of his works issued specifically to be played to enhance brain function; a quick tour of any large music store will probably reveal 'brain enhancing' collections of Mozart. But his major contribution to music itself is this: Mozart was, by many, considered to be "the central pivotal point in the music of Europe," a man who created "the bridge...between the old world of music and the modern world of music" (Ardoin, 1989)."
Abstract This paper describes the early life and education of composer Gustav Mahler. The paper relates that, although Mahler was a successful pianist, he abandoned performance in favor of composition. The paper also relates the history and orchestration of Mahler's first symphony, which originally was called "Symphonic Poem in Two Parts", premiering in 1889. This work was renamed "Titan" in his revised 1893 version.
From the Paper "A local farm manager noticed Mahler as he advanced in age. This manager convinced Bernhard that his son should receive a thorough musical training in Vienna. In 1875, upon the urging of the kind manager, Mahler entered the Vienna conservatory. During his three-year stay, Mahler studied piano, harmony, and composition. Although he was a successful pianist, performing well in several school competitions, Mahler abandoned performance in favor of composition. In 1878, Mahler graduated from the composition program."
Tags: late-romantic pianist heroic revisions, turbulent finale
Abstract This paper examines how two of the most notable romantic composers of the 19th century are Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi. It looks at how both composers share the distinction of being the greatest opera composers of their home county. Wagner was acknowledged as the greatest German composer of the 19th century and Verdi as the greatest Italian composer. The paper also examines how both composers experimented on their own style and how both composers have influenced many composers after them.
Outline:
Short Biographies
Richard Wagner
Works of Richard Wagner
Giuseppe Verdi: Life and Works
Wagner vs. Verdi
From the Paper "The later years of Richard Wagner gave rise to his masterpieces which advanced the art of opera. His masterpieces in this stage in life include Tirstan und Isolde (1857-59) which was considered by many to be Wagner's greatest single opera. Another masterpiece was Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (1862-67) which was Wagner's only comedic opera. This stage in Wagner's life is also responsible for the creation of one of the lengthiest operas that is still performed today, Der Ring Des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle) which took around 20 years to complete and requires around 15 hours to perform. The Ring Cycle is a set of four operas that are based on characters and elements from the Norse mythology especially those of the Teutonic myth. "
This in-depth paper explores the life and many accomplishments of composer and musical genius Claudio Monteverdi, also known as the transformer of European music.
Abstract This well-researched paper chronicles the life of classical composer Claudio Monteverdi, beginning with his birth in 1567, in northern Italy. Monteverdi was labeled a creative and dominant musical genius while still a child. The writer of this paper discusses the external influences in Monteverdi's life that motivated and aided in his creating and composing musical masterpieces which garnered him well deserved respect and fame as an influential composer. Monteverdi published two books detailing his madrigal music in 1603 and 1605 respectively. Both pieces of music integrated the avant-garde manner with the composer's idiom. The writer examines the creation of "The Opera of Orfeo" which cemented Monteverdi's status as a talented and influential composer. This in-depth paper contains much research and information regarding the various works of music created and composed by Monteverdi which explains why he was and still is considered the transformer of European music.
Table of Contents:
The Early Years
The World Beyond Home
The Madrigal Masterpieces
The Grief - Composition of "L'Arianna"
A Toil in Vain - Composition of Counter-Reformation
The Golden Period - Appointment at St. Mark's
The Commissions
The Last Decade
The Madrigal
The Artusi-Monteverdi Controversy Over Monteverdi's Madrigals
"Mantuan Context" for Monteverdi's Madrigal Composition
The Inspirations of Monteverdi
Marc'Antonio Ingegneri
Giaches de Wert
Wert & Monteverdi
Conclusion
The Esteem in Art History
The Fortunate Opposition
Monteverdi's Madrigals
Monteverdi - A Teacher for Generations
References
From the Paper "The Opera of Orfeo established Monteverdi's status as a talented composer. This opera established that the composer knew much more about this music genre than his forerunners ever did. For example, his recitative was suppler and representative than any of them had. Monteverdi's recitatives were on the basis of the oratorical melody of his madrigals, instead of being found on the ancestor's theories of sensitive speech. After the passage of few months since the production of Orfeo, Monteverdi's wife, Claudia Cattaneo, passed away when she ultimately surrendered to months of sickness. This impelled Monteverdi, in an unhappy condition, to return to the home of his father to lament the death of Claudia."
Abstract In this paper the author looks at the characteristics of different time periods in music starting with Medieval music and cites examples in each category. The author then moves on to look at some prominent composers, including, (to name but a few), Purcell, Vivaldi, Shutz, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, and shows how their works demonstrate the traits of the periods previously mentioned. The author concludes with a brief discussion of form and structure looking at various examples such as song form, themes and variations and sonatas.
From the paper:
?Franz Liszt
Liszt was a composer of the Romantic period and was among the first to arrange entire programs of solo piano music. He composed piano miniatures, solo piano music, transcription pieces, symphonic poems and symphonies. Some of his best known pieces include Mephisto Waltz, Totenanz,Leibestraum and the Hungarian Rhapsodies.?
Tags: middle ages baroque renaissance medieval plain chant troubadour music polyphonic motet opera trio counterpoint classical cadences symphony minuet rondo sonata romanticism symphonic poem concerto wagner impressionism debussy twentieth century rigadoon, con
Abstract This paper analyzes Heine's poem which was first set to music by German composer Robert Schumann. It gives a translated excerpt of the poem along with commentary regarding the author's style and intentions. It studies the different writing styles of the poet versus the composer. It also studies previous works of these artists. It concludes that each writer/composer presents his own view of the world and the treatment of music at that time in his life.
From the Paper "The different styles employed by the two composers in their approach to the setting of "Ich Grolle Nicht" is readily apparent. Schumann had a very literary approach to his compositions. Starting off in life with the idea of being a pianist, along with his talent for word-setting, made him particularly keen to the idea of setting poetry to music. His compositions are usually short-breathed and somewhat square, but speak with a distinct personality. Within the scope of setting the work of Heine, including "Ich Grolle Nicht," Schumann demonstrates his ability to compress immense emotion into a few short bars."
Tags: Heinrich, Heine, Robert, Schumann, poem, writer, composer, settings, German
Abstract The writer of this paper presents five elements that must be analyzed to understand and underline the Romantic nature of this composer's work. Firstly, one must consider the "storytelling" use of the sonata form of the Fantasy. Secondly, one must consider the way in which the sonata was considered by the composer to be an Overture, a work that gives a "summary" or a miniature of a larger story or musical work. Thirdly, the tone color of the music must be analyzed. And fourthly and fifthly the timber and texture the work must also be reflected upon to understand the opulent quality of the music that renders it characteristic of the Romantic period during which Tchaikovsky composed music.
From the Paper "According to the musicologist E.T.A. Hoffman, the Romantic period of Western music was characterized by the ?fantastic, idealistic, and marvelous.? He states that such qualities are associated with the ?romance, a medieval tale or poem about heroes or events written in one of the languages descended from Latin.? (Cited in Grout & Palisca 563) Tchaikovksy's choice to use the story of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" as the title of his Fantasy underlines the importance of Romantic thought in the orchestration of the composition. Rather than simply expanding upon or working within sonata form, defined as ?an ambitious work in several movements for one or two solo instruments,? "
Abstract This examines the life, works and death of the famous music composer Wolfgang Mozart, who died in 1791 at the age of thirty five. It concentrates on the theories that have been put together regarding what may have killed the composer. He was one of the most prolific and talented composers in history and his fame at such a young age touched the chord of envy in many. It discusses how modern science has been trying to determine the exact cause of death but it will probably never be resolved and how other theories include a cheating wife, a jealous peer and plain old bad pork.
From the Paper "Today rheumatic fever is rare but in the composer's life it was a common ailment(Sleuth, 2000). He died during a historically noted epidemic of the illness around Europe and scientist believe this is what killed the music genius. Because it is known that Mozart had the disease several times as a child it does not surprise the advocates of this theory that scientists have opened the possibility of the disease damaging his heart and then later in his life being the cause of his death. This theory sounds plausible based on the rash and the fever for rheumatic fever and the swollen limbs which point to a commonly known byproduct of heart failure."
